Team: Stanton
Mascot: Mustangs
Colors: Orange and Black
Class: C-2
Head Coach: David Stoddard (4th season) (20-9 career record)
2016 record: 6-4 (lost to Wilber-Clatonia in first round of playoffs)
Returning Starters: 3 offense 5 defense
Overview:
The Stanton Mustangs look to be good again this season after upsetting Battle Creek in last year's regular season finale to make the postseason.
Head Coach David Stoddard says the Mustangs have plenty of talent and experience coming back on offense, but will be breaking in new some newcomers too. "Although Stanton loses 8 starters on offense, the three returning starters are in the offensive line. Ashton Flood (5'10, 180 SR), Nathan Arens (6'4, 215 JR), and Ben Wilke (6'0, 180 SO) started all 10 games for the Mustangs last year. Rounding out the offensive line will be candidates Sam Bates (6'4, 250 JR), Jackson Benson (5'8, 225 SO), and Jakeb Myers (5'9, 230 JR). Returning skill players include Beau Wilke, Kadyn Fernau, (5'10, 165 JR RB), who saw a lot of varsity action. Also look for Cade Goger (5'9, 165 JR) to be in the mix. Gauge Erickson (5'8, 155 SO), Issiah Borgman (5'10, 170 SO), and Alek Reese (5'10, 175 JR) look to compete for the starting fullback job. Stanton's TE positions are open...look for Sutton Pohlman (5'11, 165 FR), Morghan Prusa, and Zak Hansen (5'5, 120 JR) look to fill the void. The starting QB job is also up for grabs. Marcus Spotanski (6'1, 170 JR), T.J. Larson (5'9, 130 SO), Sutton Pohlman, and Matt Reese (5'7, 135 FR) will all have an opportunity to compete for the job."
Stoddard adds the Mustangs should be solid on defense. "On Defense Stanton returns 6 starters. The defensive line returns Ben Hansen (6’1-240 SR.), Tayton Liermann (6’0-240 SR.), and Arens, all are a physical presence. The second level will rely on LB's Flood, Gauge Eriksen, Borgman, and Alek Reese. Erickson started last year as a freshman recording 40 tackles and 2 sacks. The secondary will be led by Senior Beau Wilke who had 44 tackles and 1 int. Look for Fernau, Goger, Spotanski, Prusa and Pohlman to step in as well throughout the season. Team Weakness: Stanton will need to create depth at each position on both sides of the ball (young inexperienced)."
It sounds to me like Stanton has a lot of raw, inexperienced talent ready to take the field. The Mustangs will need to figure things out in non district play in order to be ready for the gauntlet district they are in.
Stoddard says Beau Wilke is the Mustangs' do it all everything player. "Beau has all the physical tools for a breakout 2017 campaign. He started at CB and played a lot of running back in Stanton's 3 back offense. His ability to cover one on one, tackle in space, and exhibits great footwork. Wilke is also the leading candidate to take over the kicking and punting duties for the Mustangs heading into next season. He is also a leader and will do whatever is asked from him on and off the field."
It certainly sounds like Wilke could have a very nice season for Stanton.
Stoddard says Fernau has an opportunity to contribute in a big way. "Fernau rushed for 13-188 yds and 2 TD's before his season was ended due to injury. He has the ability to run with speed and power as he simply has a knack for the position. Fernau will move from a Nickel corner to a full time starter in the secondary where he is as equally gifted. Look for Fernau to have a breakout 2017, and is one of the TOP underclassmen in C2."
Stoddard is looking for Ben Hansen to have a big season on the lines for the Mustangs. "Hansen is a returning letter winner on the defensive line. He has tremendous footwork and hands at his size. Ben will be a force once again in the interior defensive line and will also start at offensive tackle. The Mustangs will lean on Hansen as one of 3 returning starters on the defensive line and will join an offensive line that returns 3 starters as well."
Stoddard says Goger is a valuable speedster for Stanton. "Goger has the speed to be a dangerous perimeter runner, a state track qualifier in sprints, look for Goger to come onto the scene his junior year as a starting RB in Stanton's 3 back offense. Cade will also start on defense in the secondary where he is a great cover corner, while developing his reads."
I look for this raw talent to develop over the course of non district play, and be ready to go toe to toe with the big boys and powerhouses in District C2-4.
Season Outlook:
Stanton is looking for another solid campaign that would no doubt include another trip to the playoffs.
It appears the Mustangs have a lot of young talent that needs to be developed to hang with some of the big boys and powerhouses in District C2-4.
District foes include Battle Creek, Crofton, Hartington Cedar Catholic, Lutheran High Northeast, and Ponca.
Stanton gets three of their district opponents at home so that should help the Mustangs' chances of reaching the playoffs.
I think only time will tell how good this Stanton team is. It's important for the newcomers and underclassmen to develop quickly and get things figured out as soon as possible.
I think if the Mustangs play up to their potential and maximize their potential...they'll be there in the end.
Everyone has to mature fast though as teams like Crofton, Hartington Cedar Catholic, Battle Creek, and others figure to be locked and loaded once again.
The schedule is very challenging for Stanton so the Mustangs have to be ready to rock and roll each and every week they take to the field.
The non district slate includes matchups with Elmwood-Murdock, rival Wisner-Pilger, Cross County, and Logan View.
The Cross County and Logan View games could be tricky, but should serve as very good tests heading into district play.
Both games are on the road though so things certainly won't be easy.
The good news though is the first two games of the season are at home against teams that won a combined 3 games last season so Stanton should be fine.
The Mustangs have to stay healthy though. Stanton can't afford a lot of injuries given the fact they need to create depth on both sides of the ball. The Mustangs will need to be at full strength come district play.
The Mustangs open up the year on Friday, August 25th at home against Elmwood-Murdock.
2017 Stanton Mustangs Football Schedule:
08/25/17 Elmwood-Murdock
09/01/17 Wisner-Pilger
09/08/17 @ Cross County
09/15/17 @ Logan View
09/22/17 Lutheran High Northeast
09/29/17 Crofton
10/06/17 @ Ponca
10/13/17 Hartington Cedar Catholic
10/20/17 @ Battle Creek
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